Stock straightening apparatus



Dec. 20, 1960 R. c. HUNTER 2,965,150

STOCK STRAIGHTENING APPARATUS Filed Nov. 25, 1957 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 F I6. I

INVENTOR. ROBERT C. HUNTER ATTORNEYS Dec. 20, 1960 R. c, HUNTER 2,965,150

STOCK STRAIGHTENING APPARATUS Filed Nov. 25. 1957 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR. ROBERT C. HUNTER U TQ W ATTORNEYS Dec. 20, 1960 R. c. HUNTER ,9

STOCK STRAIGHTENING APPARATUS Filed Nov. 25, 1957 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOYR.

ROBERT C. HUNTER BY ATTORNEYS ria Dec. 20, 1960 R. c. HUNTER STOCK STRAIGHTENING APPARATUS 4 Sheets-Sheet 4- Filed Nov. 25, 1957 INVENTOR. ROBERT c. HUNTER Wocrlfhzg ATTORNEYS United Sttes Fatent STOCK STRAIGHTENING APPARATUS Robert C. Hunter, Garfield Heights, Ohio, assignor to Curtis Manufacturing Company Filed Nov. 25, 1957, Ser. No. 698,812

Claims. (Cl. 153-99) The invention relates in general to straightening apparatus and more particularly apparatus for straightening long metal stock such as wire, rod, and tubing.

In apparatus utilized for the above mentioned purpose the metal stock is usually other than straight for many reasons among which is the fact that it is generally manufactured and stored in spools or coils and assumes a temporary set corresponding to the coil or spool upon Which it resides. In cases where it is desired that the stock be straight, or straight from a practical standpoint, this set must be removed from the stock generally by bending the stock opposite from the direction in which it is set.

The size of the stock and its inherent physical characteristics (i.e. hardness, resilience, etc.) are factors which must be considered in any straightening operation. For example, in straightening wire which is small in diameter and which is quite resilient the bend must be more severe than for wire which is softer and of larger diameter.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide stock straightening apparatus which is capable of handling a wider range of stock from the standpoint of size as well as other physical characteristics.

Another object of the present invention is to provide Wi-re straightening apparatus wherein the wire enters and leaves a rota able arbor on the axis thereof, which has means for bending the wire within the arbor.

Another object of the present invention is to provide wire straightening apparatus with a means for altering the distance between dies which are utilized to bend the wire.

Another object of the present invention is to provide wire straightening apparatus with a means for varying the degree of bending or working of the wire.

Another object of the present invention is to provide Wire straightening apparatus having an arbor rotatable about an axis with pairs of dies located therein with means for adjusting at least part of the pairs of dies relative to the other pairs of dies in two directions which are generally perpendicular to each other.

Another object of the present invention is to provide stock straightening apparatus having a plurality of axially spaced die holding slots therein having wall means for holding a die in place with at least one of the die holding slots having more than one wall means whereby the position of the die in the slot may be axially varied.

Another object of the present invention is to provide stock straightening apparatus having a plurality of axially spaced die holding slots therein having wall means for holding a die in place with a portion of the slots being longer than others and with the longer slots having dies which are reversible in their slots to change their position relative to the other die holding slots and the dies therein.

Other objects and a fuller understanding of this invention may be had by referring to the following description and claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

v Zidilitl Patented Dec. .20, 1960 Figure 1 is a perspective view of a wire fabricating machine within which the stock straightening apparatus of the present invention is incorporated;

Figure 2 is a perspective view showing in detail the stock straightening apparatus of the machine in Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a view similar to Figure 2 but with some of the parts in different positions;

Figure 4 is a side elevational view in section of the rotatable straightening arbor shown in Figures 2 and 3;

Figure 5 is a view taken generally along the line 5--5 of Figure 4;

Figure 6 is an isometric view of a straightening die used in the embodiment of Figures 4 and 5;

Figure 7 is a plan view of the die shown in Figure 6;

Figure 8 is a front elevational view in section of the die shown in Figure 6;

Figure 9 is a side elevational view partially in section of a modified rotatable straightening arbor;

Figure 10 is a view taken generally along the line 1010 of Figure 9;

Figure 11 is a view taken generally along the line 1111 of Figure 9;

Figure 12 is a plan view of a straightening die used in the embodiment of Figures 9 and 10; and

Figure 13 is a front elevational view in section of the: die shown in Figure 12.

The present invention may be applied to practically any machine or a separate machine wherein it is desired. to continuously straighten a length of stock, however, for the sake of illustration, the straightening appara us has been shown in Figure l in a machine 20 utilized for cutting the stock (wire in this instance) into predetermined lengths after it has been straightened. This machine 20 includes the stock straightening apparatus 21 of the present invention, two pairs of front feed rolls 22 and a cutoff assembly indicated generally at 23. The wire is generally fed from a coil which is located to the left of the machine 29 and which has not been shown in the drawings and from there is usually fed through rear feed and straightener rolls which have not been shown in the drawings, but which are well known in the art. Motive power means (not shown) are housed within the framework 24 of the machine 20 and serve to drive the parts of the machine. The levers 28 serve the purpose of determining the pressure that the rolls 22 exert on the Wire as it passes therebetween. The stock straightening apparatus in Figure 1 is covered by a hinged guard 30 in the closed posi ion which in Figure 2 has been moved to an open position to illustrate the parts thereof. The stock straightening apparatus of the present invention (best illustrated in Figures 2 through 5) includes an arbor 33 rotatable about a substantially horizontal aXis which has been indicated by the dot-dash line 34. The arbor 33 is provided with first and second end portions 37 and 38, respectively, and wall means 40 define an opening which extends axially through the arbor. Bearing means 43 and 44, respectively, serve to journal the first and second end portions 37 and 38, respectively, so that the arbor may be rotated about its axis. A plurality of die holding slots (in the present illustration, five in number) have been indicated by the reference numerals 46 through 56. These die holding slots extend completely through the arbor and extend generally transverse to the axis 34. Each of the die holding slots 46 through 50 include opposed walls 52 and 53, respectively, which are provided with outwardly curved or ofi-set portions 56 and 57, respectively. The slots 47 and 49 which may sometimes be referred to in the claims as adjusting slots are provided with, in addition to the first outwardly curved or off-set portions 56 and 57, an additional two outwardly curved portions 60 and 61 which are axially spaced from the outwardly curved portions 56 and 57, respectively. These outwardly curved portions 56, 57, 60 and 61 define arcs of a circle and have been provided with female threads 64. I

First and second dies 66 and 67 are provided in each of the slots 46 through 50. These dies correspond quite closely in their configurations to the shape of the slots 46, 48 and 50. These first and second dies have mating faces 70 and are slidably movable in the slots. Each of the dies has outwardly curved or off-set portions 72 and 73, respectively, which are adapted to interfit with the corresponding portions in the die holding slots. Each of the mating faces of the dies is provided with a half round groove 75 which extends from one end portion 76 thereof to the other end portion 77 where it meets with a diverging opening 78. The dies 66 and 67 which are utilized in the die holding slots 47 and 49 are of a shorter length than the axial length of these slots so that the position of the dies within these two slots may be axially adjusted. The position of the dies within the slots is adjustable and they are held in a fixed position by means of first and second clamping screws 80 and 81, respectively. These clamping screws are provided with male threads on the outer periphery thereof and they reside in the slots at either end and contact the surface of the dies at the sides opposite the mating faces and hold the dies in a fixed position. Wall means are also provided in the arbor which define a plurality of axially spaced apertu-res 83 which extend completely through the arbor. These apertures extend generally normal to the die holding slots as well as transverse to the axis 34.

In operation, depending upon the type of wire or stock which is to be straightened, the dies 66 and 67 are placed in their respective holding slots, for example, in the manner illustrated in Figures 2 and 4. In this position it will be noted that the dies within the adjustment slots 47 and 49 are located in the closest positions to the center die holding slot 48. This would produce the greatest bending of the stock of which the straightenin apparatus is capable. Although the dies can be located in varying positions in their respective die holding slots, it will be noted that the opening which is formed by the grooves in the mating faces of the dies in slots 46 and lies on the axis 34. The opening in the dies in slot 47 lies below the axis, in slot 48 above the axis and in slot 49, again below the axis. The position of this opening with respect to the axis and the axial positioning of the dies within the adjustment slots 47 and 49 determines the severity of the bend to which the stock is subjected. After the dies have been positioned, a wire 85 is threaded through the arbor by way of the opening 40 in the left end portion 37 through all of the dies as indicated thereafter exiting the arbor through the right end portion 38 thereof. The wire is then threaded through the feed rolls 22 and then on to the cut-off assembly 23 shown in the machine of Figure l. The motive power source is then actuated and the wire 85 is drawn through the arbor and the arbor is caused to rotate on the bearing means 43 and 44 at a comparatively high speed relative to the longitudinal travel of the wire. In apparatus such as that disclosed in the instant application a range of arbors may be designed to handle wire sizes from ,5, inch to 1% inches in outside diameter. For the sake of example, and not of limitation, the apparatus illustrated in Figures 1 through 8 is designed to handle wire in the range of from inch to 1 inch. In this instance the rotational speed of the arbor might be approximately 4700 revolutions per minute and the linear speed of the wire through the arbor might be in the range of from 65 to 200 feet per minute. To handle wire at one end of this range the dies might be located as shown in Figure 2 whereas if wire at the other end of the, range is to be handled the dies might be moved-to the position shown in Figure 3. This is accomplished by. removing the, clamping screws 80 and 81 and withdrawingthedies 66 and 67 and moving them axially to the position farthest from the center die holding slot 48. The same procedure is followed in re-threading the wire through the arbor and between the feed rolls.

In the design of other arbors to handle another range of wire sizes for example wire in the range of from /2 inch to inch, the rotational speed of the arbor might be inthe neighborhood of 1740 revolutions per minute while maintaining a linear wire feed of from feet per minute to 135 feet per minute. It should also be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art that each arbor might be associated with a variable speed mechanism whereby it may be driven at many rotational speeds from the motive power source. Although for the sake of example a range of wire sizes and arbor characteristics have been given, it will be easily recognized that the principles herein disclosed might be applied to other ranges and stock sizes without departing from the instant teachings.

Figures 9 through 13 illustrate a modification of the invention shown in Figures 1 through 8. Figures 9 and 10 illustrate an arbor having an axial extending opening 91 therethrough and also provided with five die holding slots, the same as in Figures 4 and 5, indicated by the reference numerals 94 through 98. Die holding slots 95 and 97 which are alternate slots may also be referred to as adjusting slots. The adjusting slots 95 and 97 are of greater length than the other three slots for a purpose to be hereinafter explained. Each of the slots is provided with an outwardly curved or off-set portion 101 and 102, respectively. It will be noted that each of the slots is provided with only first and second curved portions 101 and 102 which are centrally located within the slot. The dies which have been described hereinabove, namely, the

dies shown in Figures 6, 7 and 8 are adapted to slidably fit within the die holding slots 94, 96 and 98, however, a new type of die is designed for the adjusting slots 95 and 97. This die has been indicated generally by the reference numeral 105 and has first and second end portions 106 and 107, respectively. Each of the first and second end portions of the die 105 is provided with outwardly diverging openings 110 between which is provided a half round groove 111 in the mating face of the die. Each of the dies is provided with first and second curved or offset portions 113 and 114 which are unsymmetrically located with respect to the end portions of the die. The positions in which the dies 105 have been shown in Figures 9 and 10 serve to locate the end portions 106 closest the central slot 96 and thus effectively reduce the distance between the center or produce a sharper bend between the center slot and the adjusting slots. If it is desirable that the bend at this place be less severe then it is only necessary to withdraw the dies 105 from the adjusting slots 95 and 97 and reverse the positions in which they are shown in Figures 9 and 10. This efiectively accomplishes substantially the same end which is accomplished by the structure in the arbor shown and illustrated in Figures 4 and 5.

It will thus be seen that stock straightening apparatus has been provided which is capable of handling a wider range of stock from the standpoint of size as well as to the physical characteristics than that which is capable of being handled by a similar prior art device. This is accomplished by providing the means for adjusting not only the position of the dies in a direction transverse to the axis of the rotatable arbor, but also axially with respect to the arbor. This, in effect, varies the severity or the degree of bend to which the stock is subjected. The longitudinal movement of the arbor in combination with the rotational or axial movement of the wire therethrough in effect bends the wire an infinite number of directions about each linear position of the wire.

Although this invention has been described in its preferred form with a certain degree of particularly, it is understood that the present disclosure of the preferred form has been made only by way of example and that numerous changes in the details of construction and the aeeaiso g combination and arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.

What is claimed is:

1. Wire straightening apparatus comprising in combination an arbor rotatable about a substantially horizontal axis, said arbor having first and second end portions, wall means defining an opening extending axially through said arbor, bearing means mounting said first and second end portions of said arbor, a plurality of die holding slots extending through said arbor generally transverse to said axis, each of said slots including first and second opposed walls, said first and second opposed walls of each of said slots each having an outwardly curved portion defining an arc of a circle, said first and second opposed walls of every other of said slots each having two outwardly curved portions defining arcs of circles, female threads on said outwardly curved portions, first and second dies having first and second opposed walls and mating faces and slidably residing in each of said die holding slots, each of said dies having first and second curved portions on said first and second walls respectively to interfit said curved portions of said slots, each of said mating faces having half-round grooves extending from one end portion thereof and meeting with a diverging opening at the other end portion thereof, said dies being shorter than said slots which have two outwardly curved portions on each opposed wall whereby said dies in said slots having two outwardly curved portions may be axially adjusted, first and second clamping screws having male threads thereon residing in either end of each said slot with the male threads engaging the female threads on said outwardly curved portions, each said first and second clamping screws engaging each said first and second dies, respectively, to locate same in each said slot, wall means defining a plurality of axially spaced viewing apertures extending through said arbor, said viewing apertures extending generally normal to said slots and intersecting a portion of a slot, means for rotating said arbor about said axis, and means for moving a Wire axially through said arbor.

2. Stock straightening apparatus comprising in combination an arbor rotatable about an axis, said arbor having first and second end portions, Wall means defining an opening extending axially through said arbor, bearing means mounting said first and second end portions of said arbor, a plurality of die holding slots extending through said arbor generally transverse to said axis, each of said slots including first and second opposed walls, said first and second opposed walls of each of said slots each having an outwardly off-set portion, said first and second opposed walls of every other of said slots each having two outwardly olt-set portions, first and second dies having first and second opposed walls and mating faces and slidably residing in each of said die holding slots, each of said dies having first and second off-set portions on said first and second opposed walls respectively to interfit said off-set portions of said slots, said mating faces forming a passage extending from one end portion thereof and meeting with a diverging opening at the other end portion thereof, said dies being shorter than said slots which have two outwardly off-set portions on each opposed wall, holding means in either end of each said slot and engaging each said first and second dies, respectively, to locate same in each said slot, wall means defining a plurality of axially spaced apertures extending through said arbor, said apertures extending generally normal to said slots and intersecting a portion of a slot, means for rotating said arbor about said axis, and means for moving a wire through said opening in said arbor.

3. Stock straightening apparatus comprising in combination an arbor, wall means defining an opening extending generally longitudinally through said arbor, a plurality of die holding slots extending through said arbor generally transverse to said opening, each of said slots including first and second opposed walls, said first and second opposed walls of each of said slots each having an outwardly oifset portion, said first and second opposed walls of every other of said slots each having at least two outwardly offset portions, die means having first and second opposed walls and residing in each of said die holding slots, each of said die means having first and second offset portions on said first and second opposed walls respectively, to interfit said offset portions of said slots, passageway means extending through said die means, said die means being shorter than said slots which have at least two outwardly offset portions on each opposed wall, and holding means for securing said die means in said die holding slots.

4. Stock straightening apparatus comprising in combination an arbor rotatable about an axis, said arbor having first and second end portions, an opening extending through said arbor, bearing means mounting said first and second end portions of said arbor, first and second die holding slots extending through said arbor generally transverse to said axis, said first die holding slot including first and second opposed walls, said first and second opposed walls of said first slot each having at least two outwardly ofiset portions, die means residing in each said first and second die holding slots, each of said die means having first and second ofiset portions on first and second opposed walls respectively, to interfit corresponding offset portions of each said first and second die holding slots, a passage extending from one end portion of each die means to the other, said die means in said first die holding slot being shorter in an axial direction than said first die holding slot, holding means for fixing the location of said first and second die means, means for rotating said arbor about said axis and means for moving a wire through said opening in said arbor and through said passages in said die means.

5. Stock straightening apparatus comprising in combination a rotatable arbor, said arbor including an adjusting die holding slot, said adjusting die holding slot including first and second opposed walls, said first and second opposed walls of said adjusting die holding slot each having at least two axially spaced offset portions, die means having first and second opposed side walls and slidably residing in said adjusting die holding slot, each said first and second side wall of said die means having an offset portion interfitable with one of said axially spaced offset portions on each said first and second opposed walls of said adjusting die holding slot, said offset portion on each said first and second side walls of said die means occupying only one of said offset portions on each said first and second opposed Walls of said adjusting die holding slot, the distance between corresponding parts of adjacent ofiset portions on each said first and second opposed walls of said adjusting die holding slot being less than the axial length of said die means, said die means being shorter in an axial direction than said adjusting die holding slot whereby said die means may be shifted axially in said adjusting die holding slot, a passage extending from one end portion of said die means to the other, and means for securing said die means in said adjusting die holding slot.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,032,823 Greiner July 16, 1912 1,473,261 Thompson Nov. 6, 1923 1,945,469 Roberts Jan. 30, 1934 

